Members of Troop 10 are seeking former Boy Scouts and adult leaders to celebrate the local group’s centennial May 3 at St. James’ Parish Hall. The oldest continuously sponsored Boy Scout troop in the U.S., it is sponsored by St. James’ Episcopal Church, located at the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and St. Andrews Pl.

Over the years, Troop 10 has enrolled thousands of Scouts, including more than 300 Eagle Scouts. Many have gone on to become prominent civic leaders and the heads of major banks and other corporate institutions, said James Chalfant, Windsor Square, Troop 10’s committee chair and former assistant Scoutmaster.

Growing up, Chalfant was a boy scout in Illinois. His three sons became Eagle Scouts in Troop 10. “I joined the Troop’s leadership because my sons were going to be Scouts and I wanted to be with them. I was not much of a camper, but some of my fondest memories of my sons are from the more than 100 campouts and summer camps I attended.”

Troop 10 has its own “cheer,” as well as a patch approved by the National Boy Scout Council with a pictorial of L.A. City Hall that represents the Troop’s long existence in the heart of the city.

THE TROOP’S patch.

There have been nearly 20 Scoutmasters over the 100 years, but the longest tenured was Jack “Hampy” Hampton, who served from 1926 to 1951. A number of his scouts served in World War II, and he corresponded with them while they were fighting overseas. The Troop is proud of its historical memorabilia. “I have thoroughly enjoyed its rich history,” said Chalfant, “including the fascinating pictures, patrol diaries, flags and Hampy’s “War Book.”

Today, he says, Troop 10 remains a vibrant organization committed to building character, teaching young men about the outdoors and getting them involved in serving their community. Led by Scoutmaster Thomas Fenady, the Troop’s 60 members attend meetings, go on campouts and hikes, attend weeklong summer camps, and provide community service such as cleanup at Hope-Net’s Taste of Larchmont.

“I would encourage every dad to get to know their son a little better by becoming an adult scout leader for their son’s troop,” said Chalfant.

“I went on many outings with my two younger brothers and father, and I credit these experiences for the strong relationships we have now,” said Chalfant’s oldest son, Jamie, 26. “Needless to say, Troop 10 had a profound impact on my growth and maturation, and I am proud to be a member of the Troop 10 family.”

All former scouts and leaders are invited to attend the centennial celebration. If you or anyone you know wish to be added to the “evite” list, write to bsatroop10centennial@gmail.com.

Comments (1)

I was a Boy Scout in Troop 10 in 1948 thru 1953. Hampy was our scoutmaster for my first three years.We had a lodge up in camp rather lets which we would hike to uo outpost on weekends. My dad died in 1944 when I was 6 years old. We had 8 patrols and I was in the Pine Tree Patrol with harry Andrews and dick Ziegler as our patrol leaders, I did not make it to Eagle Scout as you needed a fathers help. Other fthers helped me to Star and Life level. Anyway I turned 80 last year and I have used the troop 10 scouting experience
during my lifetime and my two sone were in the Boy Scouts. L. J. Stogsdill. Layton. John. Stogsdill God. Bless the BSA